Talent Payment Manager

About the role

As a Talent Payment Manager, you will be a valued member of our Business Affairs team. This entry-level, full-time position requires a diligent and proactive individual to collaborate closely across all agency disciplines and external partners. As you grow into this vital role, you will help maintain our industry-leading expertise in complex union contracts (e.g., SAG/AFTRA, AFM, etc.) and internal agency protocols. Your primary focus will be on estimating, managing, processing, and tracking both session and residual talent payments for all forms of branded content productions, safeguarding client budgets, and maintaining strong relationships with talent representatives nationwide. This role offers significant learning opportunities and potential for advancement within Business Affairs for dedicated and high-performing individuals.

About Our Business Affairs Team

At Saatchi, our Business Affairs team is foundational to groundbreaking creativity. We are the "we-make-the-most-crazy-sh*t-happen-safely-and-brilliantly" department. We are the strategic collaborators who ensure that every creative idea, no matter how ambitious, can be brought to life within a framework of legal integrity and financial prudence. We proudly consider ourselves the gold standard in Business Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Generate, review, and approve accurate talent session contracts, session estimates, and residual estimates for all production types, both upcoming campaigns and existing campaign renewal directions to aid strategic planning.
• Process, approve, and manage all session and residual talent payments and associated invoices working within designated payroll platforms (e.g., Extreme Reach) with timely execution and financial reconciliation.
• Manage and maintain comprehensive tracking documents, including Completion Reports, third-party licensed rights (e.g., music), Talent Reuse Folders and Commercial Trackers.
• Meticulously track all usage of active spots, holding fees, and "maximum use periods" to ensure timely authorization, payment, and awareness of talent exclusivity and expirations.
• Proactively notify Account Teams of upcoming talent, third-party IP, and music expirations, and provide timely renewal cost estimates.
• Monitor talent and residual (T&R) jobs for any overage or underage, providing prompt reporting and analysis.
• Inform account groups and financial teams promptly when jobs can be closed for final billing.

Qualifications

Experience

• Prior experience (including internships) in advertising, production, or media industries preferred.
• Agency background and working knowledge of SAG-AFTRA contracts is a significant plus.

Core Skills

• Exceptional Organizational & Detail-Oriented Execution: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex workflows with meticulous accuracy in data, tracking, and financial calculations.
• Strong Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear and effective interaction with internal teams, external partners, and clients.
• Proactive & Collaborative Mindset: Eager to learn, grow, and contribute positively as a proactive team player within a fast-paced, creative environment.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Acumen: Ability to identify discrepancies, analyze data, and propose effective solutions.
• Strong Numerical & Financial Aptitude: Robust mathematical skills for accurate budget management, payment calculations, and financial oversight.

Technical Proficiency

• Computer literate with the ability to learn and master industry payroll platforms (e.g. XR).
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, Copilot).
• Familiarity with AI tools for process enhancement or data analysis is a plus.

Work Environment & Expectations

• This is an in-person/in-office role, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, creative, and deadline-driven agency environment.
• Active participation in agency culture, meetings; contributing to discussions.

Benefits

• Medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, and 401K.
• Parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.

Pay

Compensation Range: USD $40,280.00 – USD $57,008.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time.